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Bruce Davis, a convicted killer, who was a follower of Charles Manson, was granted parole. Robert Kovacik reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2014. (Published Thursday, March 13, 2014)

Convicted killer and former Charles Manson associate Bruce Davis was granted parole, officials from the state prison system said on Wednesday.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Board of Parole Hearings granted the order for Davis, 71.

Debra Tate, whose sister, actress Sharon Tate, was stabbed to death by Manson followers in 1969, said "today was a very bad day."

Kay Martley, the cousin of Gary Hinman, who was killed by Davis, spoke at the hearing.

"I think he's forgotten the terror and everything he brought to other people," Martley said. "I see an old man who says what he thinks we should hear."

Michael Beckman, Davis' attorney, said he thinks his client, if he is released, will return to Los Angeles County.

"I told the board, 'If he isn't the most rehabilitated inmate I've represented, he's the second most,'" Beckman said.

The decision was made during a parole consideration hearing at California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo.

The decision was the result of Davis' 28th parole suitability hearing.

The suitability finding is subject to a 120-day decision review period.